Fall Colors--Verde Valley Visit

Let's head to the Verde Valley to see some fall colors and maybe check out an archaeological site. We'll start off at Dead Horse State Park ($10 entrance fee), which is a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from the Phoenix area. We'll meet at the Ranger Station between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. (trying to account for varied traffic), then check out the ponds and some of the short trails (0.5 to 1.0 mile each). We'll have lunch at one of the picnic areas.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park website: Dead Horse Ranch State Park | Arizona
Dead Horse Ranch State Park map: Dead Horse Ranch Maps | Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Afterward, we'll regroup and see what people are interested in doing. Tuzigoot National Monument is nearby, or we can look for other areas with fall colors (if we're past the peak in Cottonwood, maybe head toward Rimrock or Prescott). Or if people are wanting to just check out Cottonwood, we can do that, as well. There are a number of museums and shops in the area.

What to bring? A camera, hat, sun protection, water, and a lunch/snacks. I recommend dressing in layers. Also, carpooling is an option, so post in the comments if you want to carpool.